Which Groups of People Are the Most Discriminated and Marginalized in Canada?

"No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite." ~ Nelson Mandela

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

"This is why the anti-discrimination principle being enforced is important. Because it won't stop if some of the underlying biases aren't challenged and surfaced. And that in and of itself creates backlash and denial. This is what I mean when I say better is hard." ~ Barack Obama

My sociology background is starting to seep out...

I came across some statistics from Stats Canada and the Canadian Human Rights Commission. I'm still quite dismayed, shocked, and disappointed at how much Canada needs to grow in its inclusivity and become a leading country in anti-racism and anti-discrimination. Canada still has a long road ahead to advocate for its people.

The following groups of people in Canada are the most vulnerable to racism and discrimination and are often marginalized to the lowest socioeconomic status and social class. They face challenges such as lack of housing, high unemployment, lack of education, over-representation within the criminal justice system, and lack of access to a family doctor.

1. Indigenous Canadians: First Nations, Métis, and Inuit
2. Black Canadians of Caribbean and/or African heritage
3. Canadians of colour/visible minorities
4. Newcomers who are people of colour
5. LGBTQ+ individuals
6. People with disabilities
7. Women

Equally important is to understand the intersectionality of these individuals and the discrimination and marginalization that may occur due to their specific visible ethnic background and gender.

Canada presents itself as an all-inclusive, caring, modern liberal democratic society. However, numerous areas within society—economically, socially, politically, legally, educationally, and in healthcare—need to acknowledge and support the most vulnerable and marginalized groups of people.

When marginalization and discrimination are recognized more, and societal norms and laws are implemented against racism and discrimination, Canada will become a much more inclusive, just, and caring society.